Is Your Yorkie Scratching?

Stop Your Yorkshire Terrier Dog Scratching

Indeed, it is frustrating to see your dog scratch all over his body every time. Dogs always scratch, but when they scratch habitually, this is a sign that something wrong is going on in them. These include some minor inflammations in the skin, rampant fleas, and allergy. If not treated immediately, these problems can get really severe in the long-run.

The Causes of Dog Scratching

Why do dogs scratch? Below you can find some of the most common causes of dog scratching.

Infection – Bacterial and fungal infections are possible root causes of scratching. Check on hairless patches and red sores or inflammations in the skin.

Neurogenic – Observe your dog for anxiety behavior problem. This is usually characterized by excessive chewing and licking of sore spots and is often due to lack of mental stimulation and exercise.

Allergic reactions – Allergies in food, fleas, and dusts can all lead to severe skin problems. Seek medical help as soon as possible.

Environmental – Dogs swimming in turbid waters or playing in dirty places often develop bad skin conditions due to prolonged exposure to dust/dirt.

Parasites – Parasites such as ticks, fleas, flies, gnats, and mites cause severe itching in dogs. Administering a parasite medication can help improve their condition.

Visiting the Vet

Having your Yorkshire Terrier examined by a vet is still the safest way to identify a scratching behavior. Infections are addressed by taking antibiotics or applying anti-fungal creams and ointments. These all help relieve the symptoms, most especially itching. Change of diet and intake of antihistamines are the best treatments for dogs with allergies; while parasitic infections can be treated with flea medications.

Dealing with Neurogenic Scratching

Of all known causes of scratching, neurogenic scratching is hardest to treat. It doesn’t involve changing a diet or treating with medications. In this case, dogs get used to scratching all the time even without infections or skin problems. Thus, it is important to identify what trigger dogs to do this.

Neurogenic scratching is often a result of developing an imaginary tick in dogs. Although there are no fleas and ticks physically present, they will just feel the urge to scratch. Most common reasons for this are boredom and lack of exercise.

To control this behavior, first, exercise your Yorkshire Terrier regularly. If he continues to do habitual licking and chewing, spraying a bitter apple or pepper to the dog’s susceptible spots can help stop the dog from doing so. Along with these measures, a cone from the vet can also shun your dog from scratching sore spots. And if he gets better every time through exercise, you can now get away with the cone, sprays, and peppers. Gradually, he will return to his normal daily routines.

When your Yorkshire Terrier goes back with its scratching behavior, see a vet for a check-up. Some infections are just too hard to get rid of, especially those growing internally.

As a responsible dog owner, you must always watch out for possible complications. The key is to address minor health issues before they get even worse. This way, you do not only save money and time, but you also help your pet to recover fast.